 Today's Midday podcast covers eight Assembly bills that aim to create more workforce housing the state as well as tackle issues with homelessness. The bills will see the light of the Assembly floor next week, but groups representing the interests of local governments are opposing many of the bills they say would give more land use control to the state government. 

WisPolitics Midday

Bills to create more workforce housing up for Assembly floor vote next week

 Today's Midday podcast covers what health experts on a recent WisPolitics virtual luncheon had to say about the ongoing pandemic. They said the Delta surge has stalled for now, but providers are still struggling with workforce shortages, burnout and some vaccine hesitancy as they pass 18 months fighting the pandemic. 

Health experts cautiously optimistic the Delta variant infection rate has plateaued

 Today's Midday podcast covers several bills introduced by both sides of the aisle aiming to address gun rights issues. Dems are pushing red flag law and universal background check bills as Republicans push bills to decrease liability for gun makers and dealers, as well as increase reciprocity for out-of-state concealed carry permit holders. 

Gun rights bills from both sides of the aisle come as gun sales and violence increases

 Today's Midday podcast covers COVID-19 trends as a recent surge of cases sparked concern among health care officials. Trends are evening out now, but hospitals are still caring for hundreds of more severe cases as the state prepares for another pandemic winter. 

COVID-19 rates start to level off after recent surge, but hospitals still seeing severe cases

 Today's Midday podcast covers former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch's formal announcement she is running against Gov. Tony Evers in the 2022 race for Wisconsin governor. She vowed to pass a series of election-related bills that Evers vetoed earlier this year if elected, among other things. 

Kleefisch officially announces gubernatorial bid, mounts attack on Evers over election legislation

 Today's Midday podcast covers potential Republican gubernatorial candidates looking to beat Gov. Evers. Rebecca Kleefisch and Rep. John Macco have not officially announced their bids, but they are moving closer. The race to replace outgoing Milwaukee Mayor Barrett is also heating up as he will likely become the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. 

Kleefisch, Macco edge closer to official gubernatorial bids as Milwaukee looks for a new mayor

 Today's Midday podcast covers lawmakers' debate over a bill that would criminalize participating in an unlawful assembly that includes at least one person who makes a threat or violent act. The bill comes as many around the state recognize the anniversary of the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by a white Kenosha Police officer. 

Lawmakers raise concerns over bill on protests and riots as Jacob Blake shooting anniversary looms

 Today's Midday podcast covers changing population and racial trends across the state as census data shows the overall population increased more slowly than other states. Several Democratic voters filed a lawsuit after the data came out, hoping to have a federal court draw new district lines instead of anyone in state government. 

Census data show changing population and racial trends as Dem voters file redistricting suit

 Today's Midday podcast covers U.S. Rep. Ron Kind announcing he will not seek reelection after 24 years serving the 3rd Congressional District of Wisconsin. The U.S. Senate also approved the $1.2T infrastructure bill and the $3.5T reconciliation bill framework. The smaller bill would send over $6B to Wisconsin, including funds for EV charging networks and broadband expansion. 

Kind announces he will not run for reelection as Senate passes infrastructure measures

Today's Midday podcast covers some of the funds Wisconsin could see from the latest bipartisan infrastructure measure worth $1.2 trillion in total. The Badger state would get over $5 billion to spend on highways and bridges, but details on the larger reconciliation package expected to follow the "hard" infrastructure bill remain unclear.

Federal infrastructure package, congressional earmarks could bring billions of dollars to Wisconsin

 Today's Midday podcast covers Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes announcing his candidacy for the U.S. Senate Democratic Primary, bringing the total to eight Dems. Barnes says the race is more than just a plan to beat U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson. 

Dem Mandela Barnes announces bid for already crowded 2022 U.S. Senate race

 Today's Midday podcast covers a joint settlement proposal between Purdue Pharma and 15 states that would bring millions to Wisconsin to fight the opioid epidemic. AG Josh Kaul says it's the best case scenario. As Kaul raises funds for his reelection campaign, GOP attorneys are raising funds for their campaigns for the upcoming election. 

Dem AG Kaul praises opioid settlement proposal as GOP candidates look to take his spot

 Today's Midday podcast covers Gov. Tony Evers' trip to a Whitefish Bay elementary school to sign the biennial budget. He vetoed roughly 50 proposals that were included by the GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee but kept their proposed tax cuts for middle-class Wisconsinites. 

Evers signs budget with roughly 50 vetos, announces $100M for K-12 schools

 Today's Midday podcast covers what six Dems looking to take U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson's seat had to say about providing health care for all Americans and addressing the student debt issue. Johnson also made headlines this week when he held a news conference on severe adverse side effects from various COVID-19 vaccines. 

Dem U.S. Senate candidates push ahead as Johnson pushes back against health care community

 Today's Midday podcast covers four police policy overhaul bills signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers that primarily deal with police use of force and transparency. Eight other bills dealing with police policies, including no-knock warrants, are past the Assembly and headed to the Senate. 

Evers signs four police bills as eight others head to Senate

WisPolitics Midday provides what you need to know about Wisconsin politics in under two minutes. Quality content brought to you each weekday by the reporting team at WisPolitics.com.

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